Allegiance Read Online Free PDF Page B

snatched our infant boys from their homes. All those taken were murdered except for one, the young man now known to us as Narian. I’m sure you are all aware of his unusual crescent-shaped birthmark, for it was the basis of his identification as the Baron Koranis’s son. London believes that Narian is the one of whom the legend speaks—that Narian has been trained by the Overlord to destroy Hytanica.”
    A lengthy silence followed Destari’s revelations, and I was thankful to see that the others were focused on the King, who was absorbing this information with no more than a crease in his brow.
    â€œAnd when did you and King Adrik learn of this?” Steldor finally asked, directing his question to his father, having inferred that London, Destari and I had withheld this information for quite some time.
    â€œThree months later, on the day Narian left Hytanica,” Cannan responded. “We sent for him shortly after London met with us, at which time we discovered that the boy had fled.”
    Steldor glanced at me in confusion, though his next question was directed to Destari. “Why did London bring this information to Alera?”
    â€œHe did not believe the captain or the King would trust what he had to say since he had been dismissed from his post. He also wanted to warn her against befriending the young man.”
    â€œAnd did she stay away from him?” Steldor pressed, his eyes narrowing, and I suspected he already knew the answer.
    Destari wavered for an instant, reading Steldor’s expression, but in the end answered straightforwardly.
    â€œNo, Your Majesty, she did not.”
    Not wanting to look at any of the men in the room, I focused on stilling my fidgety hands, for this habit revealed my level of discomfort, and my anxiety was now nearing panic proportions. I couldn’t remember a time when I had so desperately wanted to escape from a situation, but the captain had no intention of granting me a reprieve.
    â€œIt is imperative for us to know where Narian’s loyalties lie. Alera, you and he appeared to be friends. What can you tell us?”
    I concentrated on Cannan as words tumbled from my mouth without passing through my brain. In my extreme desire to end this conversation, I told him what I could, as rapidly as I could, painfully aware that Steldor’s eyes were upon me.
    â€œHe rarely spoke about his life in Cokyri, and I alwaysfelt that it must have been very harsh. In any case, I know he did not want to return. He once told me that he despised having his life laid out for him, but he also told me that if ever he did return to Cokyri, the Overlord would be difficult to refuse. Still, I think he will turn from the legend if he can—”
    â€œHe spoke with you about the Overlord?”
    The captain interrupted my monologue, lifting one eyebrow, the only trace of surprise that ever showed on the imperturbable man’s face.
    â€œYes…but we didn’t talk about the Overlord. He just mentioned him.”
    â€œI see.”
    Cannan considered me, and my empty stomach felt as though it were shriveling. I had unwittingly made my position more precarious, for Narian had spoken to no one but me about his relationship to Cokyri’s powerful warlord. I was the only person in whom Narian had confided; I alone knew that the Overlord had been his teacher.
    â€œI take it the two of you became quite close,” Cannan finally concluded.
    I shot Destari a quick look, fearful that the captain might bring to light my relationship with Koranis’s son, which had far exceeded the bounds of friendship. I had a feeble hope that he could somehow deter his commander from further pursuit of the matter, but Cannan’s keen eyes caught my glance and he turned to his Elite Guard.
    â€œYou were her bodyguard at the time. What was the nature of their relationship?”
    Destari shifted uncomfortably, his thick, dark eyebrows shrouding his black eyes,